Amid balancing international business with helping to raise 3 children Lurgan mum Victoria Shanks jetted to New York recently where she was named as one of the top leaders in the world of finance.

Born and reared in Co Armagh town, Victoria now travels the world – Singapore one week, New York the next, plus trips to Hong Kong and Las Vegas – working as Managing Director of the global finance firm First Derivatives.

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Lurgan businesswoman Victoria Shanks who was named in the Wall Street 50 by Irish America magazine. Victoria is Managing Director of First Derivatives, the Newry based firm which is recognised as the world’s largest dedicated capital markets consulting firm.

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The former St Michael’s Grammar School pupil is named in the Wall Street 50 by Irish America – a leading glossy magazine in the USA celebrating the Irish-American identity. In its latest publication, Victoria is one of the top 50 Irish-American and Irish-born leaders in the financial sphere.

“Her story is rooted in resilience, ambition, and a deep Irish heritage, which was instilled in her by her mother, one of 16 children,” said the magazine extolling Victoria as the crème de la crème of the business world.

Victoria was presented with her award by keynote speaker Jane McCooey a distinguished legal professional and community leader at a gala dinner in October. The event, at New York Yacht Club, was attended by many prominent members of the Irish American community.

Victoria joined First Derivatives (FD) in 1998 and was one of just five employees. Over the course of two decades, she helped scale the business to over 3,000 people and a valuation of over £1 billion.

After leaving school Victoria studied engineering at Queen’s University in Belfast where she also completed a (Master of Business Administration) MBA.

In First Derivatives Victoria also played a lead role in building KX’s professional services division and forging partnerships with major players, including AWS. Last year, FD was acquired by the American firm EPAM.

A recognized leader in capital markets and fintech, Victoria has held executive roles across operations, financial engineering, sales, marketing, and global account management, working closely with many of the world’s top investment banks and hedge funds.

Victoria is most proud of the people she has championed. She has mentored countless young professionals, opening doors to careers in the U.S., APAC, and beyond. She has stayed connected with many of them as they’ve grown into leaders themselves.

Now Managing Director, Sales and Account Management, she’s leading First Derivative’s growth across EPAM’s 60+ locations.